Embroidery stands for decorating a texting medium with a needle and thread. You can use a machine in order to make a decoration or hand stitch. The main difference between the two is time. Time is money as you probably may have heard the popular saying. And it is true. Hand embroidery is time-consuming.
That is why I wanted to write this article and help you choose a machine for you in order to save time & boost your embroidery skills. I believe that people have a hard time choosing a machine especially when there are so many different brands in the market, especially beginners without any previous experience.
Let’s review some of the best models and choose the best embroidery machine for beginners. Buying an embroidery machine does not have to be hard anymore, not when you have me and my reviews around.
What is the Best Embroidery Machine for Beginners?
Instead of decorating your creations by hand, you can do it with a professional embroidery machine but choosing the right one can be hard, especially for beginners. Let’s review some of the best and select the right model for you. However, make sure to check their pros and cons before you make a final purchase.
- Best Overall: Brother SE600 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
“Quiet operation, compact, versatile, portable, 80 built-in embroidery designs, a large embroidery area.” - Best For Home Use: Brother SE1900 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
“User-friendly, versatile, cheap, commercial machine, super-advanced features, 5×7 embroidery hoop.” - Best Budget: Brother PE525 Embroidery Machine
“Computer connectivity, 70 built-in embroidery designs, 120 frame pattern combinations, LCD display.” - Best for Home Business: SINGER XL-580 Embroidery & Sewing Machine
“Needle up/down programming, modern threading system, manual thread bobbin, cheap, easy to use.” - Best Make Patches: SINGER SE300 Embroidery & Sewing Machine
“A built-in needle threader, a large embroidery area, free online owner’s class, 10 snap-on presser feet.” - Best Start Small Business: SINGER XL400 Embroidery & Sewing Machine
“Feature-rich, lettering program, computer-to-machine software, sturdy construction, six LED lights.” - Best Sewing and Embroidery: EverSewn Hero 400 Stitch
“Affordable, modern and efficient, 40 built-in embroidery designs, 8 presser feet, expansive workspace.” - Best for Custom Designs: Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
“Reliable, feature-rich, affordable, ideal for both beginners and professionals, a large LCD touchscreen.” - Best with Large Hoop: Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine
“Great stitch quality, variable speed control, a brightly lit work area, 136 designs, super-easy threading.” - Best for Embroidery and Quilting: SINGER 9960 Sewing Machine
“A popular Singer model, adjustable stitch features, portable, advanced, needle up/down programming.” - Best for Home Use: SINGER 7258 Sewing Machine
“A lot of add-ons, easy to use, quiet operation, versatile, 100 built-in stitches, acceptable price, modern.”
12 Best Embroidery Machine for Beginners 2021
Some features matter more than others when choosing an embroidery machine. That is why I decided to list all the key features and help you compare some of the best embroidery machines in the market.
Best Embroidery Machine For Beginners Reviews 2021
Let’s review the best machines in detail and pick the best embroidery machine for beginners. Make sure that you take notes of their biggest pros, cons and overall performance before you make a final decision.
Brother SE600 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
(Editor’s Choice)
Another combo machine that is ideal for both beginners and intermediate users is the SE600 sewing & embroidery computerized unit by Brother. It is ideal for both home and commercial use. If you want a computerized combined workhorse that will take your business & skills to the next level, this is the one.
It delivers 103 built-in stitches, 80 built-in embroidery designs including 6 lettering fonts, 3.7 LCD screen, free arm for a collar, cuffs, sleeves, and legs, USB support to insert your own designs, automatic needle threader, 4×4 big embroidery area for completing larger designs, and a jam-resistant top drop-in bobbin.
Pros
- Quick and quiet operation
- Portable, versatile and compact
- 80 built-in embroidery designs
- Automatic needle threader
- A large embroidery area
Cons
- Inconsistent auto-threading
- Not the most durable machine
- Not the fastest feed dogs
Brother SE1900 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
(Expensive but Quality Unit)
If you are looking for something versatile that will help you boost your creativity and take your skills to the next level, SE1900 unit by Brother is a great choice for you. I am talking about a commercial machine with super-advanced features that will help you make any embroidery design you can possibly think of.
Do not worry if you have no experience at all because this workhorse is suitable for both beginners and professionals. It is the perfect machine to start your embroidery business with thanks to the auto needle threading function, rotating feature, 5×7 embroidery hoop for making large designs & inserting designs.
The simplicity of this machine is what attracts customers the most. You can import your custom designs without computer connectivity. All you need to is order this workhorse right now & begin embroidering.
Pros
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Inconsistent needle threading
- Not good for sewing thick fabrics
- Not made for small designs
Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
If you want a versatile embroidery unit that is suitable for both novice and experts, feature-rich, cheap and reliable at the same time, Brother PE535 is the perfect choice for you. I am talking about an amazing embroidery machine with 80 embroidery designs and other features including a large LCD touchscreen.
It also features built-in memory, so you can import custom designs via a USB stick and bring your own masterpieces to life. Viewing and editing designs has never been easier thanks to the large touchscreen. This unit is covered by a 25-year limited warranty. However, let’s review the downfalls before buying.
Pros
- Expansive stitching field
- 25-year limited warranty
- A large LCD color touchscreen
- 80 built-in embroidery designs
- Reliable, feature-rich and cheap
- Ideal for both novice and pros
- A built-in memory
Cons
- Not suitable for experts
- Embroidery-only machine
Brother SE400 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
(Best Choice for Beginners)
I would be lying if I said that I do not love this unit just like most advanced users do. Novice loves it too.
Brother SE400 delivers an easy embroidering experience. You will fall in love with this unit at first stitch thanks to the auto needle threader, 67 built-in stitches, LCD touchscreen, 70 designs, and 5 lettering fonts. However, let’s review the cons of this model and decide if this is the most suitable embroidery unit for you or not.
Pros
- Quality stitching
- Automatic needle threader
- Computer connectivity
- 70 embroidery designs
- Amazing lighting
Cons
- Buying add-ons like thread, software, and bobbin
EverSewn Hero 400 Stitch Sewing & Embroidery Machine
Next on my list of greatest embroidery units for this year is EverSewn 400-Stitch Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine. It is a high-end combo machine that will blow you away.
EverSewn is a brand that has made a name for itself by producing high-quality, long-lasting and powerful combo machines.
This specific unit has 40 built-in embroidery designs, over 400 decorative, utility and alphabet stitches, automatic needle threader, 8presser feet, an expansive workspace, and an upper needle, bobbin thread level monitoring. However, let’s summarize the main pros & cons before you make your final purchase.
Pros
- Affordable
- A large workspace
- Modern & efficient
- 40 built-in designs
- 8 presser feet
Cons
- No automatic needle cutter
- Expensive for some beginners
Brother PE525 Embroidery Machine
(Budget’s Pick)
It is time that you add a personal touch to your creations and embellish with embroidery. And Brother PE525 is the ideal machine to use in the process. I am referring to a workhorse that is embroidery-only and has a large embroidery area. It also features 70 built-in designs and 5 lettering fonts which is great.
However, that is not all that this baby has to offer. It features a large, easy-to-view backlit LCD display, computer connectivity for inserting your custom designs and a 25-year limited warranty. The computer connectivity serves for updating your unit too. Have I mentioned the 120 frame pattern combinations?
Pros
- Computer connectivity
- 70 built-in embroidery designs
- 120 frame pattern combinations
- An easy-to-view backlit LCD display
- A large embroidery field
Cons
- Embroidery-only machine
SINGER XL-580 Embroidery & Sewing Machine
(Best for Opening A Home-Based Business)
To be honest, Singer is one of my favorite companies for manufacturing sewing and embroidery units. I say so because they have the best units out there including their Futura XL-580 Embroidery and Sewing Machine. It is great for a novice. If you want to take your skills to the next level, this is the unit for you.
Singer Futura XL-580 is sturdy, stable and easy to use. You can complete both light and heavy-duty tasks with this baby with ease. It has 50 built-in embroidery designs, independent bobbin winding system and a large hoop for larger designs on large materials. It also has an auto thread trimmer & long arm designs.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Needle up/down programming
- Modern threading system
- Manual thread bobbin
- Affordable
Cons
- Not the best choice for pros
- Not the best embroidery unit
SINGER XL400 Embroidery & Sewing Machine
(Best Value for Money)
If you want to purchase a combo machine that will take your business to the next level and add value to your projects, look no further than Singer Futura XL400 Embroidery & Sewing Portable Machine. It is the perfect choice for pros & beginners thinking about opening their own embroidery home-based business.
It comes with 15 embroidery patterns, 5 lettering fonts & outline lettering. And if you definitely want to open your home-based business, keep in mind that you will need a large hoop. This machine has it along with inbuilt software for expanding a virtual hoop. However, let’s review the most important pros too.
Pros
- Feature-rich
- Lettering program
- Computer-to-unit software
- Automatic needle threader
- Sturdy construction
- 6 LED lights
Cons
- Not compatible with MACs
SINGER SE300 Embroidery & Sewing Machine
If you want a stylish modern unit that will take your skills to the next level and boost your creativity, this model by Singer is ideal for you. Legacy SE300 Embroidery & Sewing Portable Machine is got all the best features to help you finish projects in a professional way. It is ideal for opening a home-based business.
This baby has 250 built-in stitch patterns, 200 embroidery designs, 6 lettering fonts, and allows USB stick transfer of designs. Can you imagine how much you are getting for the price you pay? It is known as one of the best machines for canvas. If you are into canvas, it will turn everything you do into a masterpiece.
Pros
- LCD touch screen
- A built-in needle threader
- A large embroidery area
- Free online owner’s class
- 2 Snap-on embroidery hoops
- 10 Snap-on presser feet
- USB design transfer
Cons
- Costly
Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine
(Embroidery-Only Machine)
Another unit that is worth the investment is the Brother PE770 commercial embroidery machine with special features you will adore. If you are looking for a combo unit, this is not the best choice for you. However, if you are looking for a device that will help you open a successful embroidery business, this is the one.
It comes with 5×7 embroidery hoop for making large designs, quick-set bobbin, 136 embroidery designs including 6 lettering fonts, backlit LCD screen, advanced design editing including preview, rotation, size adjustments, and mirror-image. It also has a built-in memory that allows you to insert your own designs.
Advanced users adore this unit because it has much to offer like easy threading system, an auto thread cutter and a speed of 650 stitches per minute. It stitches very proficiently. Now, let’s check out the cons.
Pros
- Amazing stitch quality
- Variable speed control
- Brightly lit work area
- Power cord and dust cover
- 136 embroidery designs
- Super easy threading
- Auto thread cutter
Cons
- Embroidery-only machine
- Issues while bobbing reported
- Unclear instruction manual
SINGER 9960 Sewing Machine
(Professional-Looking Results)
Moving on to Singer, as you probably know, they have high-end machines. And their Confidence Quilter Portable Computerized Sewing Machine is one of them. The name of this incredible model reveals it all.
SINGER 9960 has 98 sewing stitches including 7 automatic one-step buttonholes, automatic needle threader, drop & sew bobbin system, programmable needle up/down and a drop feed for easy quilting. However, the best part? I would say for me it is the unit’s sturdiness and different adjustable stitch length and width.
Pros
- Portable & advanced
- Adjustable stitch features
- Needle up/down programming
- A popular Singer machine
- Confidence booster
Cons
- The workspace is not bright enough
- A unit for Canadian and USA use only
SINGER 7258 Sewing Machine
If you enjoy crafting and making garments every now and then, I have the perfect machine to assist you in the process. I am referring to the 7258 100-Stitch Computerized sewing machine by Singer. As you can notice by the name of this unit, it comes with 100 built-in stitches, lots of accessories & acceptable price.
Some other advanced features include automatic bobbin winder, locking straight stitch option, up/down needle switch, 7 automatic buttonholes, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin with clear cover and a stitch selector. However, let’s summarize the most important cons and see if they overshade the cons.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quiet operation
- Lots of add-ons
- Affordable
- Versatile
Cons
- Not the best sewing machine for heavy-duty projects
- Cannot adjust the foot pressure and limited stitch width
Types of Embroidery Machines
No embroidery machine can help you realize your every embroidery dream and meet your every need. That is why you need to pick a unit that can deliver optimum acceptable results and meet most of your needs. However, you have 2 types of embroidery machines to choose from. Let’s review them together.
Free-motion Machine Embroidery
This type gives you the benefit of full control of your machine’s needle size, stitching, and direction. It is amazing for independent users who want complete control over their stitches & power to determine in which direction the needle goes. It is hard to learn but comes with other benefits like quilting & painting.
Computerized Machine Embroidery
If you want a modern unit, choose a computerized embroidery machine. Most of these machines cost a lot but come with many benefits including making decorative designs. Also, they allow you to store your previous designs for future use. Some computerized units accept cards with pre-loaded files onto them.
Other units allow you to link them to your PC and insert your custom or downloaded embroidery files directly. Overall, if you want to make the most out of your embroidery machine projects for beginners, choose this type. Computerized models have automatic features that will make your work much easier.
How To Choose An Embroidery Machine for Beginners?
Choosing the best embroidery machine for beginners does not have to be a hard task if you know what to look out for. Here is a list of features you need to consider when purchasing an embroidery machine.
Brand
Most brands present good quality machines. However, in order to choose the best embroidery machine for you, check customer reviews, forums and blogs to gather information about a specific brand. Also, it is important that a brand has great customer support and service in case you encounter machine issues.
Your Goal
Are you interested in units for business use or home use? If you are a beginner, I assume that you want to start small, so I suggest that you purchase something that is not built for continuous hours of work & mass production. Instead, focus on entry-level units such as the models in my comparison chart below.
Advanced Features
Make a list of essential advanced features you need in a machine such as automatic thread cutting and bobbin winding, automatic needle threader, pressure sensor, free arm, and other machine accessories.
Throat Width
Throat width represents the space between the machine body and the needle. Modern machines have different throat widths. A larger throat width gives you more space to move around and enables the use of larger hoops. It is perfect for machine quilting no matter the kind.
Is The Sewing Machine Separate From The Embroidery Unit
If it is, you can use the machine for quilting and sewing as well as embroidery. If you purchase a unit like this, you will save a lot of cash because you are practically buying a 3-in-1 unit with different capabilities.
Separate or Built-in Embroidery Designs?
Some units only have built-in designs while others allow you to insert your custom or downloaded files. In order to do this, your machine needs to connect to a PC directly or insert designs from a thumb drive. Meaning, you need to make sure that the machine you purchase allows file transfers from a computer.
Embroidery Software
Ask if your unit comes with a digitizing software because to create, edit & digitize your designs, you will need a great embroidery software. Some software is brand-specific while others support many formats.
Owner’s Classes Included or Not?
Most manufacturers include at least one class and provide refresher classes on simple functions. This is important because most newbies have no idea how to operate a machine and until they do, they cannot earn from their project. You can also check some tutorials on YouTube that can help you while learning.
Warranty
Most dealers hire technicians on-site which save time when your unit needs cleaning or servicing. This is why you need to inform on additional services that come along with your purchase. Also, do not forget about the warranty. Make sure that it is covered by a good warranty, especially if it is an expensive one.
How To Use An Embroidery Machine for Beginners?
Getting to know your first embroidery unit can become a frightening challenge particularly if you do not have any experience at all. Although most units are automated and carry out most duties in the entire process with the aid of themselves, you still need a little practice to learn how to operate your machine.
Gather Everything You Need to Get Started
No matter how difficult is looking at this learning process, you need to know that modern machines are made to be user-friendly as most as possible. First and the most important step when you start learning to use a machine is to prepare all required things that you need through the simple process of learning.
I am talking about things like needles, material, thread, bobbin, stabilizer, and embroidery software.
Choose The Right Needle Size
Also is important to be sure that needles are suitable with the fabric that you are using. Another thing that you need to pay attention is the stabilizer which can hold the fabric on the spot. Types of needles matter too. I advise you to use needles that are made to use in combination with embroidery threads.
The dimensions of the needle you choose need to rely on the fabric’s weight. Embroidery needles are classified according to a standardized system. In that case, small needles give more accuracy and bigger indicates a larger number eye. Best way to decide which needle suits you is to play with different ones.
Embroidery Machine for Beginners Tips
Do you buy a brand new embroidery machine and you are new in digital embroidery? I can guide you through the most useful tips for embroidery machining that will help you to become great embroider.
You just need to pay attention to a few simple things like:
Take your time and relax. If you are nervous while you working with your machine can only lead you through a lot of mistakes and other unpleasant issues. You don’t need to worry about that because you need to remember that you can make a lot of messes before you turn something into a masterpiece.
Dedicate yourself to the learning process. To become an expert, you need to learn thousands of ways of how not to do some things. Time, dedication and self-discipline are one of the most important factors for you through this process. Be patient, hungry for more experience & most importantly, never give up.
Take notes. To expand your experience, you need to learn something new through self experimenting. So it is time to release your artistic spirit, take your note and start writing or drawing your own designs.
Organize your working space. The most comfortable variant is to have your own working room where you can put everything that needs you in one place. In that case, you don’t need to think about where to put your materials when you are done working or where to store clothes that you will be designing.
Run a test. To avoid mistakes on the start, you need to build a habit to test before to start your serious work. Embroidery machines contain so many variables that sometimes can result in different stitching.
It depends on the needle, stabilizer, digitizer and thread that you use. In some cases, your machine files can be corrupted and that also will result in an issue. I strongly advise you to run a test on similar fabric.
Embroidery Machine Tutorial for Beginners
In order to learn how to use your embroidery machine, you can take an embroidery class. Most crafters forget that this craft is super popular and you can find embroidery classes in your local town from sellers themselves like Brother, Singer or Janome. Or you can ask for classes from your hometown fabric store.
The best part about taking a class is learning from professionals and bonding with people who share the same interests as you. This is very important if you are planning to open your own home-based business in the future. You will meet a lot of people who can give you tips and share their knowledge of the craft.
If you do not want to socialize right now or want to learn at home, ask what unit comes with an owner’s class. Watch machine embroidery videos for beginners that can teach you how to use a machine or open a small embroidery business. In case you do so, check out my commercial embroidery machines reviews.
I have reviewed them just a few days ago. My advice is to start small with a simple, straightforward unit.
Also, you do not want to invest in a commercial embroidery machine if you are not sure that this is right for you. Commercial units cost way more than embroidery machines for novice and smaller businesses.
Another advice I have for you is contacting some embroidery communities. They can help you answer a certain question about your machine or guide you through the learning process. Check forums and Facebook Groups such as embroidery.com, digitsmith.com,embroideryforum.com, Machine Embroidery For Beginners And Beyond Group, Beginner Machine Embroidery Group and so on. Connect with people of your kind.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
I know how important is for a beginner to choose the right embroidering machine because it can either make or break your business. If you are not opening a business, buying the wrong unit can certainly kill your passion for the craft. I personally recommend some of the units by Brother for enthusiastic users.
For instance, SE600 computerized combo machine that is simple to use and affordable to purchase. 535 model is loved by many beginners as well. It is cheap and user-friendly. If you have extra bucks to spend, I highly suggest the amazing Singer Quantum Stylist that costs more but has additional features as well.
I sincerely hope that my buying guide can help you choose what’s best for you. At the end of the day, it is not mine to say what machine to buy. Keep in mind that the best embroidery machine for beginners is not supposed to break your bank account but deliver optimum results at a low price, so choose wisely.
Hi. I’ve recently bought the Pfaff creative 4.5. You don’t refer to this brand on your review… is it so bad? 🙁
I’m a journalist without a job and decided to invest on something different to try to earn some money. Hope I didn’t made the wrong choice…
Thank’s
Dear Maria, thank you for your comment.
I support your investment and interest in this amazing craft. I personally think that you have not made a mistake. If you are passionate about embroidery, I am 100% sure that you will make it.
Inform yourself about how to develop a profitable home-based business. Research my website on more embroidery product suggestions, and tips.
As for the machine brand you own, I do not think that it is a lousy brand. I just reviewed the best-selling units by more popular brands. However, this does not mean that Pfaff does not have amazing machines.
I will review the best Pfaff products in the future. You can write the exact name of your sewing machine, so I can review it.
According to my research, Pfaff is a German brand that was founded in 1862 in Germany. Just like Singer and Husqvarna Viking, it is owned by SVP Worldwide and delivers some unique innovations.
However, one of their best innovations is the IDT Integrated Dual Feed Technology system. It is basically a walking foot integrated into your unit. The best part about this foot is that it can be used with different types of presser feet.
Quilters and advanced users love this brand. However, it is a bit complex for beginners without previous experience. Still, I believe that you are a fast learner, so do not worry.
I wish you the best of luck and I am looking forward to hearing about your successful business very soon.
Love, Mary.